Originally Posted by
sehgalanuj
Having a status based on revenue to only their own airline isn't unique to AFKL. Delta has 360, which is invitation only and so the requirements aren't known. But I'd wager that it is based on revenue thresholds being spent at Delta exclusively, similar to Ulti. Diamond at Delta is better compared with Platinum at AFKL.
Correct; DL 360 / UA GS / AA CK are all spend-based, unpublished, invitation-only (unless one achieves it in lifetime form), based on how much you spend on tickets directly with them. Compared to those, it's MUCH easier/cheaper to attain Ultimate - those status levels usually require around $80-120k in spending, while Ultimate can be achieved (in W, for example) around $15k or less.
The same "flying/booking-with-an-airline's-own" applies to SQ KrisFlyer's top elite tiers. LH HON I believe is based on J/F fares on LH Group metal, but doesn't have to be booked with them. BAEC GGL is a rare oddity where one can earn just by flying other alliance airlines (after the mandatory 4 segments on BA), but yes - Flying Blue's UXP requirement is not unheard of among loyalty programs.